Per Mertesacker: 'Premier League is hard work'

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes that he is improving as a player, despite the physical demands of the Premier League.

The summer signing is likely to start on Sunday against Stoke City, a side with whom Arsenal have had a number of rough encounters since the Potters' promotion in 2008.

"I have to improve, it's hard work to do important games for the club every three or four days, that is very physical," the German told BBC Sport.

"I have to take my time but I am improving very quickly."

The Gunners are currently in tenth place in the Premier League table, while Stoke are seventh.